Thursday Jul 10, 2025
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home Archaeology

2,000-year-old basilica was center of daily life in Roman-era Ashkelon

Excavations at Tel Ashkelon uncover largest such structure found in Israel to date, as well as an ancient theater.

by  Dan Lavie and ILH Staff
Published on  06-01-2021 12:00
Last modified: 06-01-2021 11:11
2,000-year-old basilica was center of daily life in Roman-era AshkelonTomer Ofri / Israel Antiquities Authority

The ancient odeon, or theater, uncovered at Tel Ashkelon National Park | Photo: Tomer Ofri / Israel Antiquities Authority

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Archaeological excavations at Tel Ashkelon National Park have uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman-era basilica, the largest of its kind found in Israel to date, as well as an ancient theater, that will soon be opened to visitors.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

In Roman times, public life revolved around the basilica (a Roman public building). Festivals, business and social gatherings took place there on a daily basis.

Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists Dr. Rachel Bar-Natan, Saar Ganor, and Federico Kobrin, who are directing the excavation, explained that the enormous building, which measures 115 by 34 meters (377 by 11 feet) had been built at the center of ancient Ashkelon.

Video: Yuli Schwartz/ Israel Antiquities Authority

"During the Roman Severan Dynasty, in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the building was renovated, marble architectural features were brought to the site and a small theater was added," they explained.

"Herodian coins discovered in the bedding of the structure's ancient floors show that it was built at the time of one of the greatest builders ever to have lived in the country. The writings of the historian Josephus [Flavius] mention Herod's construction in the city of Ashkelon and list fountains, a bathhouse and colonnaded halls. Today, based on the new archaeological evidence, we can understand the origins of the historical record," the archaeologists continued.

The basilica was divided into three parts – a central hall and two side halls, and the space was surrounded with rows of marble columns and capitals, which rose to an estimated height of 13 meters (42.5 feet) and supported the building's roof. The floor and walls were built of marble, which was imported from Asia Minor in merchant ships that reached the shores of Ashkelon.

Roughly 200 marble items weighing hundreds of tons have been found including dozens of column capitals with plant motifs were discovered, some bearing an eagle – the symbol of the Roman Empire.

The compound was excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority with support from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Ashkelon Municipality, and the Leon Levy Foundation and the site will be opened on completion of the development, conservation, and restoration work, which will include erecting the sculptures and marble columns discovered at the site.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

Tags: ancient RomearchaeologyAshkelonbasilicaRoman Empire

Related Posts

First dig in 100 years reveals rare discovery at biblical Israel capitalTour Shomron

First dig in 100 years reveals rare discovery at biblical Israel capital

by Hanan Greenwood

After nearly a century of archaeological silence, the ancient stones of Sebastia are speaking again as Israeli excavators uncover remarkable...

Biblical kings' palace excavated in SamariaUzi Greenfeld

Biblical kings' palace excavated in Samaria

by Hanan Greenwood

"When digging in ancient Samaria, you are touching the Bible with your hands. Living in Samaria is not just a...

How Israel produced luxury dye 3,000 years agoMicheal Eisenberg

How Israel produced luxury dye 3,000 years ago

by Assaf Golan

Tel Shiqmona, located on the coast of Haifa, was one of the important production centers for purple dye, a rare...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il